Product Guides
,
Technical Advice
|
2 March 2017
Check Your Equipment - Landscaping / Garden Equipment & PPE
Checking your garden equipment helps you get better results and avoid problems. Learn what to inspect, maintain and replace so your tools are ready for the job.
It’s the start of the season – you shouldn’t just be thinking about ground care products such as weed killers, fertilisers & grass seed, but you should also taking time to make sure all your grounds maintenance equipment is up to scratch.
Often landscaping equipment such as knapsacks, broadcast spreaders or PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) have been put away for the winter. Problems that you had with them last summer have been forgotten, and often the storage has meant they may have degraded or moving parts seized up.
The Problem With Winter Storage
Equipment such as knapsacks, broadcast spreaders and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)—including coveralls, masks and nitrile gloves - often get tucked away at the end of the season. By spring, problems from the previous year may be long forgotten, and time in storage can cause rubber parts to perish, filters to clog or moving components to stiffen.
Nothing stalls a job faster than discovering your tools aren’t up to standard. Even worse is equipment failing while you’re already on site - costing you precious time and money. So as the weeds start growing, make sure equipment maintenance is high on your to-do list.
Routine Testing and Servicing: More Important Than Ever
Since the introduction of the Voluntary Initiative (VI), routine testing for boom sprayers, slug pellet applicators and granular applicators has increased. Many operators now regularly carry out NSTS (National Sprayer Testing Scheme) checks - not just on large machinery but also on knapsacks, smaller sprayers and PPE.
And this attention to servicing shouldn’t stop with industry requirements. Regular checks ensure your equipment remains efficient, safe and compliant.
What to Check on Your Spray Equipment
When inspecting knapsacks or weed sprayers after winter storage, pay special attention to:
- Rubber seals, diaphragms and hoses – Look for perishing, hardening or cracking.
- Inline filters – Check for blockages that could affect spray pattern or pressure.
- Spray nozzles – Replace any that are damaged or worn.
- Backpack harnesses – Ensure straps are secure and not weakened from wear.
If you use quality brands like Cooper Pegler or Berthoud, you’ll find an extensive range of spare parts available. Many components can even be interchanged, meaning sprayers 15–20 years old can often be fully revitalised with the right parts.
Don’t Forget Your PPE
Servicing should also include your Personal Protective Equipment. Employers are legally required to provide suitable PPE for tasks involving health and safety risks—and increased focus on employer liability makes regular checks even more essential.
- Coveralls – Ensure there are no rips, scuffs or weak points that could allow herbicides through.
- Nitrile gloves – Hand protection is crucial when handling pesticides. Test gloves by gently squeezing the cuff to check for air leaks (but never blow into them).
- Masks and respirators – Inspect seals, straps and filters for safe, effective use.
Many grounds-maintenance contractors now carry out weekly or even daily PPE checks, and tools like a Routine Operator Checklist for PPE can help make inspections simple and consistent.
Gardeners Need to Check Their Equipment Too
These checks aren’t just for professional contractors. Even keen home gardeners using a simple weed sprayer should inspect their equipment routinely. A properly functioning sprayer ensures you apply products accurately and evenly - preventing both waste and ineffective results.
Under- or over-dosing can significantly affect performance and can often be traced back to poorly maintained equipment.
With the season underway, now is the perfect time to service, repair and refresh your tools and PPE. A little preparation now helps ensure smoother, safer and more efficient work in the months ahead.
Give your equipment the attention it deserves and step into spring ready to tackle every job with confidence.
